Read articles from United States of America

February 25, 2025 by reuters.com

Some e-cigarette companies targeted by U.S. authorities have changed their business models or corporate structures, including moving operations offshore, to evade regulations, according to the FDA and industry sources. These tactics have complicated efforts to curb unauthorized vape imports. Chinese vape giant Heaven Gifts transferred its Lost Mary brand to a British Virgin Islands firm after the FDA banned several imports in 2023, while Texas-based Ludicrous Distro stopped selling its own unlicensed vapes and shifted to distributing third-party unauthorized devices.

February 24, 2025 by indiatoday.in

New York State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal is pushing for a ban on flavored nicotine pouches despite FDA support for aiding adult smokers. The bill aims to prohibit enticing flavors in all nicotine products to prevent addiction, particularly among youth. FDA approval of nicotine pouches like Zyn acknowledges their harm reduction compared to cigarettes. While critics fear the ban might hinder smoking cessation efforts for 1.6 million smokers, supporters emphasize the need to prevent youth nicotine addiction. Hoylman-Sigal stresses the importance of targeting flavored products that appeal to young people to curb nicotine use among students.

February 24, 2025 by nypost.com

Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal is leading a push to ban flavored nicotine pouches in New York to prevent young people from becoming addicted. The FDA approved certain flavors of Zyn pouches, sparking concerns about youth usage. Opponents argue that banning these products could lead to increased criminal activity and harm legitimate businesses. While the FDA acknowledges the potential benefits for adult smokers, Senator Hoylman-Sigal emphasizes the risks of addiction, particularly among youths. The debate highlights the complexities of balancing public health concerns with economic impacts and tobacco harm reduction strategies.

February 21, 2025 by reuters.com

New York Attorney General Letitia James has sued several major e-cigarette manufacturers, distributors, and retailers for allegedly fueling a youth vaping epidemic. The lawsuit seeks hundreds of millions in damages, accusing the companies of gross negligence and violating state and federal laws by marketing flavored vape products with kid-friendly packaging. Defendants include Demand Vape and Puff Bar, two leading e-cigarette brands among young users. James likened their tactics to Big Tobacco, saying they made nicotine seem "cool" while creating a public health crisis.

February 20, 2025 by sacbee.com

Disposable e-cigarettes pose a threat not only to public health but also to safety and the environment, experts warn. Due to their highly flammable lithium-ion batteries, they increase the risk of fires in garbage trucks and waste processing facilities. In response, California Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin has introduced Bill AB 762, which bans the sale of disposable e-cigarettes. The bill includes financial penalties starting at $500 per violation. Irwin emphasizes that disposable vapes are harming beaches, the environment, and public health.

February 20, 2025 by sacbee.com

Disposable e-cigarettes pose a threat not only to public health but also to safety and the environment, experts warn. Due to their highly flammable lithium-ion batteries, they increase the risk of fires in garbage trucks and waste processing facilities. In response, California Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin has introduced Bill AB 762, which bans the sale of disposable e-cigarettes. The bill includes financial penalties starting at $500 per violation. Irwin emphasizes that disposable vapes are harming beaches, the environment, and public health.

February 20, 2025 by washingtonpost.com

California lawmakers are proposing a ban on disposable vape sales by 2026 to reduce plastic pollution. The bill aims to address environmental and health concerns linked to single-use vapes, which contain harmful chemicals. Similar bans have been considered in other countries. Local businesses are concerned about the impact on sales and potential smuggling activities. The state has previously implemented regulations on vape sales, especially targeting youth. Advocates stress the health hazards and environmental damage caused by these products. The bill faces opposition but is viewed as a positive step towards addressing the risks associated with disposable vapes.

February 18, 2025 by reason.com

A Massachusetts vape shop owner was sentenced to six months in jail for tax evasion linked to illicit sale of flavored e-cigarettes. Massachusetts bans all flavored tobacco products, with violators facing felony charges up to five years in prison. The ban has spawned a surge in illegal markets, prompting concerns from criminal justice reformers and civil rights groups. Cases like the one in Marlborough highlight the unintended consequences of such bans, including revenue loss and increased cigarette sales. Despite public health motivations, the enforcement of flavor bans has led to criminal prosecutions and jail sentences, challenging the balance between regulation and criminal justice in the tobacco industry.

February 14, 2025 by dcjournal.com

Smoking kills half a million Americans each year, highlighting the need for bold, science-driven solutions. Quitting is an extremely difficult challenge for millions of smokers, often leading to severe health consequences. Instead of imposing bans and reinforcing misconceptions, the Trump administration has an opportunity to support innovation and a common-sense approach to reducing smoking-related harm. The nominations of Martin Makary for FDA commissioner and Jay Bhattacharya for NIH director suggest a shift in tobacco policy. Both are known for challenging rigid healthcare orthodoxy and have the potential to play a transformative role in shaping the future of public health in the U.S.

February 12, 2025 by csnews.com

President Trump's Administration made significant changes to tobacco regulations, withdrawing rules on menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars. The Biden Administration delayed these decisions due to public feedback. The FDA authorized ZYN nicotine pouches, citing their lower harmful content. The future of tobacco regulation is uncertain, with potential for harm reduction policies and more FDA authorizations for less risky tobacco products. President Trump aimed to support vaping during his campaign, suggesting the FDA should authorize more vapor products, including flavored ones, to assist adult smokers in transitioning from combustible cigarettes.